Harassment of Kashmiris disturbing trend, continues in Himachal: CM Omar
Jammu, Feb 3: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday expressed concern over recurrent instances of harassment of Kashmiris outside Jammu and Kashmir and said that the disturbing trend of their victimisation or intimidation, still continuing in Himachal Pradesh, should immediately stop.
Earlier, the issue found an echo in the J&K Legislative Assembly also, a number of times during the proceedings on the second day of the budget session on Tuesday, many members seeking debate on it, in the House.
ìNo, this (harassment) is not good. I discussed this issue in the North Zone Chief Ministersí conference also. I requested all the Chief Ministers and Union Home Minister that this trend of harassing Kashmiris, whether students or traders, should be stopped. Iím thankful to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh that he promptly took action. The case was registered and arrests were also made,î he said, while responding to media queries outside J&K legislature.
However, he said, in Himachal Pradesh, this disturbing trend continued.
ìSimilarly, in the Himachal Pradesh, these incidents are continuing. Since it is our neighbouring state and is also opposition-ruled state - it is Congress-ruled state, we doní expect our people to be harassed or assaulted there. I appeal to the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh to take immediate action in such incidents and check this disturbing trend of intimidating or victimising Kashmiris,î the CM said.
He refused to make any comment about the LGís Address, oppositionís remarks, or the upcoming budget, saying, ìBudget or any such issues - Whatever Iíve to say, I will say inside the House. Iíll say during my reply to the debate on Lieutenant Governorís Address.î
About the Union Home Ministerís likely three-day visit to J&K from February 5, the Chief Minister said, ìIs he (Home Minister) coming? Did you get formal information (official confirmation) about it?î
When the response from media persons came in negative, he said, ìSince you did not have official confirmation, Iíll not comment about it. Till the time you donít get formal input on it, it will not be proper for me to make any comment on it.î
CONGRESS’ DEMAND FOR COORDINATION COMMITTEE
He passed the buck to the NC president and former chief minister Farooq Abdullah to respond to the demand of the coalition partner Congress vis-‡-vis formation of alliance coordination committee. Replying to a related question, he said, ìThis you can ask to the National Conference President. Iím the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir and not the NC President. You can meet NC President Farooq Abdullah Sahab and ask him - what is the progress in this connection?î
US TARIFF REDUCTION GOOD
About the US tariff, the CM said that it was proving arduous for the country but it was good if it was removed.
ìWhy tariff was imposed (by US) ñ we also know its background. The US President was not happy that we (India) were buying oil from Russia. So far, no official statement has come from the Government of India but the US President has already announced that India has stopped buying oil from Russia, therefore tariffs will not be imposed on us and tariffs imposed will not remain in force. Let it be like this ñ itís good if weíve stopped buying oil from Russia,î the CM said.
ìBut in the case, India does not buy oil from Russia and enters into a deal with some other country, will it lead to a spike in petrol and oil prices? To know all these aspects, we will have to wait. However, to the extent that (US) tariff reduction will benefit our exporters, it is a good step as many of our exporters were passing through a very difficult phase. Some were on the verge of winding up their (export) business. Now when the tariff has been reduced, it is hoped that business ventures will see a revival,î CM Omar said.
SPORTS IN POLITICS
The Chief Minister reiterated his stance of not mixing sports with politics, while replying to a question about Pakistan's refusal to play against India in the T20 World Cup.
He accused the media of creating overhype about the India-Pakistan match and colouring it as a war.
ìIíve always maintained that such results will be there when sports are mixed with politics. We have stopped making a distinction between the two (sports and politics). Media projects India-Pakistan match as a war. You donít cover it as a normal match. You (media) donít take notice when we play against other countries but the matches against Pakistan are overhyped. It leads to the situation as we are witnessing now. It should not have happened. They are participating in the World Cup but will not play against India,î he said.
NO COMMENT ON DISRUPTION IN PARLIAMENT
About the disruption in the Parliament over the Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhiís remarks, the CM said, ìWhatever happens in the Parliament, it is a privilege of the Parliament. It is the privilege of the Speaker to decide. Similarly, whatever we do in our assembly, it remains and comes under our privilege. It will not be good if the Parliament starts discussing our assembly or happenings here. So I donít have to make any comment on what happened in the Parliament.î
